Thetruth: FOR MINE AND CROOKED VULTURES TRADE

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Every team has to face the reality that at some point, once enough checks are cashed, that their brightest stars will want more than money. They’ll want to win championships and become icons of the game.

There’s no doubt that Portland has a wealth of young players that need seasoning heading into next season, but the talent already in place should curve that learning process and could generate postseason returns as early as 2013. Both Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews are primed for breakout seasons in the starting lineup and, combined with key rookies Meyers Leonard and Damian Lillard, could signal the Blazers’ return to prominence.

Then again, Scott has already said it’s possible the Cavs keep both Pargo and Sloan, and Harangody just accepted the team’s qualifying offer over the summer. So keep in mind, all the names mentioned are pure speculation. And a few of them will make it.

It's been that, chemistry and combinations, over and over, and yet with injuries and personnel decisions and the general "who cares?" attitude that can color preseason games, it's been little more than talk.